Best starter handgun?

Best starter handgun?

I'm looking to get my first handgun and not too sure what is the best choice. I'm looking for a 9mm in the $400 - $600 range. Something that is reliable and fairly accurate. Some of the pistols I've looked at on the web are clones of the CZ-85 and Sig P226 from Leverarms and the CZ-G2000 from Wolverine Supplies. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

For a first handgun, I would recommend the CZ-75/CZ-85 and clones. There are lots of accessories out there, ranging from many different kinds of holsters, many varieties of spare mags (cheap too, starting at 11 USD), many after market barrels...ect. The ergonomics of the guns are very good, accuracy is good as well. The only downside to the CZ 75/85 is the slide stop. It breaks a lot. It is also not the easiest weapon to rack the slide on, being that the slide is very low profile because it is contained within the frame, rather than wrapping around outside the frame.

The CZ G2000 is an awesome firearm. The only down side to the CZ G is the lack of accessorsies. Very few holsters fit the gun (besides the leather holster made for it in Czech) as it has a very wide trigger guard. On the other hand, it is very accurate, more so than the Chinese guns will be. The CZ G has a stainless steel match barrel made by Lothar Walther in Germany. The CZ G is very flat, and can be used with gloves on, whereas the CZ 75/85 and the SIG 226 are a hassle to fire in winter. I love my CZ G2000, and maybe it is a good thing that there is no aftermarket for it, for it helps me save money....

The REAL Sig P226 are very very very nice. The Chinese copy at lever arms is good, but no one has done a range report on it yet, so no one knows how good. The owner does not also know how compatible the copy is with an original.

For your first handgun, my suggestion would be to get something in .22 LR. A used Ruger Mark II can be picked up for around $300-$350, and will allow you to develop the principles of handgun marksmanship at low cost and with minimal recoil. If you have your heart set on 9mm, though, the CZ75 series is an excellent choice and is relatively inexpensive. Given that your price range is $400-600, you might consider the used market from a reputable dealer. If you can spring for the extra dough, you cannot go wrong with the single stack Sig 226's at $750 (this gun will be very accurate and last a lifetime).